Fatal Runway Excursion: Dubai Cargo Flight Causes Two Deaths, Prompts Investigation at HKIA
HONG KONG – Two individuals were killed early Monday morning when a cargo plane veered off the north runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), striking a ground vehicle and partially landing in the adjacent sea. Authorities have confirmed that both weather and runway conditions were safe at the time of the incident.
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The accident occurred at approximately 3:50 AM when Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747 freighter operated by ACT Airlines and arriving from Dubai, swerved off the runway during its landing. Police reported the aircraft struck a security patrol vehicle before failing to stop and entering the waters off the north runway, though its nose remained on shore. Initial reports suggested the ground vehicle was also pushed into the sea.
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Two men who were aboard the security vehicle were initially reported missing. Rescue divers recovered one man, aged 30, from the sea, who was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:55 AM. The second victim, aged 41, was transported to North Lantau Hospital but was confirmed dead at 6:26 AM. All four crew members of the cargo flight escaped unharmed.
As a direct consequence of the incident, the airport’s north runway has been temporarily closed. Airport authorities have initiated an investigation and have contacted the aircraft’s owner and operator. The Civil Aviation Department noted that air traffic controllers had directed the aircraft to land on the north runway and received no distress calls from the plane.
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When the aircraft deviated from its path and took a left turn mid-runway, controllers immediately alerted the Airport Authority and relevant rescue units. The incident has affected a total of six flights – five arrivals and one departure – causing delays ranging from five to fifteen minutes. The department assured that the center and south runways would operate as usual while the north runway remains closed for investigation and recovery.
